Travel2Max

The Gulf Coast’s answer to the Andaman’s Phuket ,Ko Samui is the ultimate pleasure island, boasting crystal waters and bleach-blonde sands. Its undeniable appeal has captured the hearts of its visitors, and with each passing year there are newer resorts and higher price tags to keep up with the insatiable demand. This rampant development has transformed much of the coastline into a continuous string of bungalows, sending seclusion-seekers to quieter islands as they say ‘phuket’ to Samui. Once upon a time, the upside-down ‘Q’- shaped island was settled by Chinese merchants from Hainan Island, who earned their keep by cultivating the millions of indigenous coconut palms. These unique roots have encouraged an island-specific culture that remains idden beneath the glossy holiday veneer. Although three million palm trees remain, the island’s number one industry is tourism. Today, there are thousands of different rooms and bungalows, from twig huts to rambling palaces. You can eat foie gras on fine china or grab a bag of roasted crickets at a local food stand. Try a cheap massage in a shaded shack along the beach, or pamper yourself silly in a lavish spa. Whatever your vacation type may be, samui tries its best to satisfy.

Even though the island has over 500 resorts, there are still some interesting things hidden among the island’s three million coconut palms. Ko Samui is one of Thailand’s premieres beach destinations and there’s a reason why Hat Chaweng is the most popular spot – it’s the longest and most beautiful beach on the island. The sand is powder soft, and the water is surprisingly clear, considering the number of boats and bathers. Picture opps are best from the southern part of the beach, with stunning views of the hilly headland to the north. At the south end of Hat Lamai, the secondlargest beach, you’ll find the infamous Hin-Ta and Hin-Yai stone formations (also known as Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks). These genitalia-shaped rocks provide endless mirth to giggling Thai tourists. Hua Thanon, just beyond, is home to a vibrant Muslim community, and their anchorage of high-bowed fishing vessels is a veritable gallery of intricate designs. Although the northern eaches have coarser sand and aren’t as striking as the beaches in the east, they have a laid-back vibe and stellar views of Ko Pha-Ngan. Bo Phut stands out with its charming isherman’s Village; a collection of narrow Chinese shop houses that have been transformed into trendy resorts and boutique hotels. Many visitors spend the day on the wild, rugged beaches of Ang Thong Marine National Park. This stunning archipelago might just have the most beautiful islands in all of Thailand.